Leading energy management company Schneider Electric has helped EastLink to achieve global recognition for its environmental, social and governance (ESG) sustainability performance.
The 2018 GRESB Infrastructure Assessment awarded EastLink – the largest privately operated freeway network in Victoria – the top 5-star sustainability rating for the third year in a row.
The tunnel was ranked #5 globally, out of 280 infrastructure entities for ESG sustainability performance.
With approximately 250,000 vehicles using the motorway every day on average, there was a need to find a solution to reduce the amount of power usage, greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution.
When upgrading the tunnel ventilation system, EastLink implemented Schneider Electric’s Ethernet Programmable Automation Controllers (ePACs), Variable Speed Drives and Citect SCADA to achieve a number of tangible improvements.
EastLink corporate affairs and marketing manager Doug Spencer-Roy, said following the implementation of Schneider’s technology solutions, tunnel ventilation system electricity usage reduced by 70%, audible noise from the tunnel ventilation stacks was halved, and greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by an estimated 9,000 tonnes CO2-e annually.
“The reason Schneider Electric was selected as a vendor to the EastLink project was its compelling offerings in Variable Speed Drives, SCADA automation solutions and vast industry experience,” Mr Spencer-Roy said.
“Schneider Electric has helped EastLink achieve huge reductions in electricity usage, greenhouse gas emissions and audible noise.”
Neil Smith, Vice President of Industry for Schneider Electric, added:
“We’re thrilled to see the results of Schneider Electric’s work with EastLink which has helped to drive significant savings for energy consumption and the environment.”
“We look forward to working further with EastLink on innovative strategies to maintain one of Victoria’s largest pieces of infrastructure.”
